opart
Lesson 1 | Lesson 2 | Lesson 3


Unit: Op Art Movement

Project: Tessellation

Featured Artist: M. C. Escher

Objective:
1. Identify and discuss works and techniques by Escher.
2. Use pattern to create a tessellation by repeated pattern.
3. Recognize lines and pattern in work of artist and students.
3. Evaluate finished pattern and create imaginary object.

Materials Provided:
• 3”x3” squares or Tessellation Animal Stencils
• Scissors
• 9”x12” paper
• Tape

Materials Needed:
• Pencil

Vocabulary:
1. Pattern: a theme of reoccurring events or objects.
2. Tessellation: a collection of plane figures that fills the plane with no overlaps and no gaps.

Motivation:
1. Show and discuss examples of work from Escher that uses pattern.
2. Demonstrate all steps of procedure before students begin.
3. Show students the finished project.

Instruction:
1. Take one 3”x3” square paper and draw a line or shape that starts from the top left corner and ends at the bottom right corner. The line may be whatever shape is desired (curvy, wavy or zigzag).






2. Make another line or shape on the lower part of the square. Start about 1⁄2” from bottom left corner and draw a shape that ends at the bottom right corner. This shape can be completely different than the first shape created.






3. Cut out the two shapes that have been created.







4. Move the first shape from the bottom and tape it to the top of the square facing the same direction as it was on the paper (make sure the two straight edges are against each other). Move the second shape from the side and place it across to the other side of the square making sure it is still facing the same direction and both straight edges are touching.




5.Tape the cutout pieces in place.






6. Place the finished new shape on to the 9”x12” paper in any direction desired and trace the shape.


7. Continue to move the shape, placing it so that the shape lines up with the already traced lines like a puzzle. Continue to fill up the paper with the shapes.






8. Use your imagination to add features such as eyes, a hat, fins or color to create a person, animal or object.





9. For the younger students, you can choose a less difficult option. Instead of creating a tessellation pattern, you could use the Tessellations Animal Stencils included in the package. Please refer to the Tessellations Animal Stencils instruction sheet included in the package.

Evaluation:
1. Use pattern to create a design or image in the project?
2. Use correct techniques to produce clean borders and tight fit shapes?
3. Evaluate completed work? 		 
 




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